Opposition councillors say the letter, referred to as "certain communications from me on behalf of all of you" by Cllr Hodge at a council meeting on December 6 last year, is believed to spell out in stark terms the financial position of the authority - but has not yet been shared with elected members.

The Lib Dems said it follows council meetings in October and December last year where councillors of all parties agreed Cllr Hodge should lobby central government for more funding for the council to help meet increased demand for services.

“But it is only right and proper these representations on behalf of councillors are shared with them as in February they will be making decisions on the council’s budget which affect services for residents.

“These ‘communications’ have been kept secret and this is wrong as Surrey residents have a right to know what representations are being made on their behalf."

Cllr Watson: 'Surrey residents deserve to know the real state of the county's finances'

Cllr Watson continued: “According to reports, the Tory administration is considering a 16% council tax rise and a referendum.

"Surrey residents deserve to be put in the picture regarding the real state of the council’s finances.”

She added the secret document must be published in full for all to see "due to its importance" and so on December 20 she wrote to Cllr Hodge asking him to release the letter.